Smart link generation

ABSTRACT

In a method for generating at least one smart link, a plurality of destination digital resources is received. At least one smart link is generated based on the plurality of destination digital resources, wherein the at least one smart link provides configurable access to the plurality of destination digital resources in response to an interaction with the at least one smart link.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of and claims priority toand the benefit of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 17/154,256,filed on Jan. 21, 2021, entitled “SMART LINK GENERATION,” by Tilney etal., having Attorney Docket No. G779.01, and assigned to the assignee ofthe present application, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

U.S. application Ser. No. 17/154,256 claims priority to and the benefitof then co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/058,276, filedon Jul. 29, 2020, entitled “GENERATION AND USAGE OF SMARTLINKS,” byTilney et al., having Attorney Docket No. G779.PRO, and assigned to theassignee of the present application, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Digital resource linking systems allow for linking an outward-facingdigital resource to an end (e.g., destination) digital resource.Examples of digital resource linking systems include uniform resourcelocator (URL) shortening, Quick Response (QR) codes, andNear-Field-Communication (NFC) tags. A URL is a digital resource thatspecifies a location of a website. URL shortening is a technique forconverting a longer source URL into a shorter URL, while directing anaccess attempt to the original source URL. QR codes are two-dimensionalbarcodes that are machine-readable (e.g., by a smartphone camera) andcan include information for linking to another digital resource (e.g., aURL, phone number, email address, etc.) NFC tags are small electronicdevices that are machine-readable over a wireless connection (e.g., byan NFC-enabled smartphone) and can include information for linking toanother digital resource (e.g., a URL, phone number, email address,etc.) For example, NFC tags can be embedded into posters, paymentterminals, signs, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe Description of Embodiments, illustrate various embodiments of thesubject matter and, together with the Description of Embodiments, serveto explain principles of the subject matter discussed below. Unlessspecifically noted, the drawings referred to in this Brief Descriptionof Drawings should be understood as not being drawn to scale. Herein,like items are labeled with like item numbers.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an examplesystem for generating and using smart links.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example smart link generatorfor generating smart links, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example smart link redirectorfor redirecting smart links to the appropriate destination digitalresources, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example computer system upon whichembodiments of the present invention can be implemented.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method for generatingat least one smart link, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method for using asmart link, in accordance with embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of thesubject matter, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While various embodiments are discussed herein, it will beunderstood that they are not intended to limit to these embodiments. Onthe contrary, the presented embodiments are intended to coveralternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be includedwithin the spirit and scope the various embodiments as defined by theappended claims. Furthermore, in this Description of Embodiments,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. However,embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits havenot been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects ofthe described embodiments.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented interms of procedures, logic blocks, processing and other symbolicrepresentations of operations on data bits within a computer memory.These descriptions and representations are the means used by thoseskilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. In the presentapplication, a procedure, logic block, process, or the like, isconceived to be one or more self-consistent procedures or instructionsleading to a desired result. The procedures are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capableof being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwisemanipulated in an electronic device.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the description ofembodiments, discussions utilizing terms such as “receiving,”“determining,” “identifying,” “comparing,” “generating,” “executing,”“configuring,” “storing,” “directing,” “accessing,” “updating,”“collecting,” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of anelectronic computing device or system such as: a host processor, aprocessor, a memory, a cloud-computing environment, a hyper-convergedappliance, a software defined network (SDN) manager, a system manager, avirtualization management server or a virtual machine (VM), amongothers, of a virtualization infrastructure or a computer system of adistributed computing system, or the like, or a combination thereof. Theelectronic device manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic and/or magnetic) quantities within the electronicdevice's registers and memories into other data similarly represented asphysical quantities within the electronic device's memories or registersor other such information storage, transmission, processing, or displaycomponents.

Embodiments described herein may be discussed in the general context ofprocessor-executable instructions or code residing on some form ofnon-transitory processor-readable medium, such as program modules,executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, programmodules include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may becombined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

In the figures, a single block may be described as performing a functionor functions; however, in actual practice, the function or functionsperformed by that block may be performed in a single component or acrossmultiple components, and/or may be performed using hardware, usingsoftware, or using a combination of hardware and software. To clearlyillustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, variousillustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have beendescribed generally in terms of their functionality. Whether suchfunctionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon theparticular application and design constraints imposed on the overallsystem. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the present disclosure. Also, the example mobile electronicdevice described herein may include components other than those shown,including well-known components.

The techniques described herein may be implemented in hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof, unless specificallydescribed as being implemented in a specific manner. Any featuresdescribed as modules or components may also be implemented together inan integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperablelogic devices. If implemented in software, the techniques may berealized at least in part by a non-transitory processor-readable storagemedium comprising instructions that, when executed, perform one or moreof the methods described herein. The non-transitory processor-readabledata storage medium may form part of a computer program product, whichmay include packaging materials.

The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium may include randomaccess memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic random access memory(SDRAM), read only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory(NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),FLASH memory, other known storage media, and the like. The techniquesadditionally, or alternatively, may be realized at least in part by aprocessor-readable communication medium that carries or communicatescode in the form of instructions or data structures and that can beaccessed, read, and/or executed by a computer or other processor.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, code and instructionsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may beexecuted by one or more processors, such as one or more motionprocessing units (MPUs), sensor processing units (SPUs), hostprocessor(s) or core(s) thereof, digital signal processors (DSPs),general purpose microprocessors, application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), application specific instruction set processors(ASIPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalentintegrated or discrete logic circuitry. The term “processor,” as usedherein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any otherstructure suitable for implementation of the techniques describedherein. In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described hereinmay be provided within dedicated software modules or hardware modulesconfigured as described herein. Also, the techniques could be fullyimplemented in one or more circuits or logic elements. A general purposeprocessor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processormay be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or statemachine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing devices, e.g., a combination of an SPU/MPU and amicroprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with an SPU core, MPU core, or any othersuch configuration.

Overview of Discussion

Discussion begins with a description of an example system for smart linkgeneration and usage, according to various embodiments. An examplecomputer system environment, upon which embodiments of the presentinvention may be implemented, is then described. Example operations ofsystems for smart link generation and usage are then described.

Digital resource linking systems allow for linking an outward-facingdigital resource to an end (e.g., destination) digital resource.Examples of digital resource linking systems include uniform resourcelocator (URL) shortening, Quick Response (QR) codes, andNear-Field-Communication (NFC) tags. A URL is a digital resource thatspecifies a location of a website. URL shortening is a technique forconverting a longer source URL into a shorter URL, while directing anaccess attempt to the original source URL. QR codes are two-dimensionalbarcodes that are machine-readable (e.g., by a smartphone camera) andcan include information for linking to another digital resource (e.g., aURL, phone number, email address, etc.) NFC tags are small electronicdevices that are machine-readable over a wireless connection (e.g., byan NFC-enabled smartphone) and can include information for linking toanother digital resource (e.g., a URL, phone number, email address,etc.) For example, NFC tags can be embedded into posters, paymentterminals, signs, etc.

In general, conventional digital resource linking systems (e.g., URLshorteners, QR codes, and NFC tags) are limited in that they only allowfor linking exactly one outward facing resource (e.g., a shortened URL)to exactly one destination digital resource. Other conventional digitalresource linking systems may allow for the linking of multiple resources(e.g., a QR code and a shortened URL) to a single resource.Specifically, conventional digital resource linking systems only allowfor the linking to a single accessible end resource. Moreover,conventional digital resource linking systems are typically fixed andunchangeable, requiring a constant end digital resource.

Example embodiments described herein improve the performance of computersystems by supporting the generation and usage of links (e.g., QR codes,NFC tags, and shortened URLs) between digital resources, wherein theselinks are collectively referred to herein as “smart links.” For purposesof brevity and clarity, the following description refers to smart links,it will be understood that embodiments of the present invention aredirected to the use of QR codes, NFC tags, shortened URLs, or othertypes of linkages between digital resources.

Embodiments herein provide access to a single accessible digitalresource (e.g., URL, QR code, NFC tag) that can point to a variety ofdigital resources (e.g., email, another URL, phone number, contact card,meeting invite, etc.) In some embodiments, each digital resource iscaptured as an entity that can be directed to multiple differentresource type from a single or multiple smart links (e.g., QR Codes orURLs). For example, a single QR code can point to multiple resourcetypes such as an email address, phone number, and contact card.

Other embodiments described herein provide for combining restrictionsand/or conditions when accessing an exposed smart link. For example,when exposing a resource such as QR code or shortened URL sometimes itis necessary to direct the incoming request to different resources basedon information about the requestor. Embodiments herein allow for one ormore conditions for accessing destination digital resources that controlredirection of based on a given criteria. Embodiments described hereinalso allow for restrictions on accessing destination digital resourcesby blocking incoming request based on given criteria.

Other embodiments described herein provide for collection and generationof multi-dimensional metrics for cross-medium information resourcesrelated to usage and access of a deployed outward facing resource (e.g.,a smart link). These embodiments allow for the presentation and viewingof the overall usage of a deployed outward facing resource usingdetailed metrics that show, e.g., the usage of each resource, eachmedium, as well as additional condition-based criteria. The describedembodiments provide a way to view data based on, not only how eachresource performed (clicks, scans, etc.) but also gives a breakdown ofthe medium it was interacted with. In addition to that it can accountfor different user defined conditions (such as location, platform, etc.)

Other embodiments described herein provide for allowing digital resourceaccess in and out of a protected network. For example, entities thathave secure enterprise networks with sensitive data prefer not to putinternal URL on to third party URL and QR Code generation services sinceit is a security risk. However, only utilizing internal services limitsthe ability to use them to market and share the data you want to beexternal. Embodiments described herein allow for an on premise QR Codeand shortened URL service that can be used securely for internal onlylinks that will not be accessible outside a company's network whilesimultaneously enable public facing resources to be created anddistributed securely.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention amount tosignificantly more than merely using a computer to generate and use a QRcode, NFC tag, or shortened URL. Instead, embodiments of the presentinvention specifically recite novel processes, rooted in computertechnology, for generating smart links that are configured to be linkedto more than one destination digital resource, that provide restrictionsand/or conditions on a smart link access for accessing a linked digitalresource, that provide access to multidimensional metrics based oninteractions with linked digital resources, and allow for accessingdigital resources in and out of protected networks, thereby improvingperformance of a computer system and linked digital resources, toovercome a problem specifically arising in the realm of digital resourcelinkage systems.

Example System for Smart Link Generation and Usage

Example embodiments described herein provide systems and methods forgenerating and using smart links for directing electronic devices todestination digital resources. In some embodiments, methods and systemsfor generating a plurality of smart links is provided. A plurality ofdestination digital resources is received. At least one smart link isgenerated based on the plurality of destination digital resources,wherein the at least one smart link provides configurable access to theplurality of destination digital resources in response to an interactionwith the at least one smart link.

In some embodiments, methods and systems for using a smart link toaccess a plurality of digital resources is provided. A smart link accessrequest is received from an electronic device interacting with a smartlink, wherein a smart link provides access to at least one destinationdigital resource of a plurality of destination digital resourcesassociated with the smart link. The at least one destination digitalresource to access is determined based at least on the smart link accessrequest. The electronic device is directed to the determined at leastone destination digital resource.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system 100 forgenerating and using smart links. For purposes of the instantdescription, the term “smart link” collectively refers to at least oneof a QR code, an NFC tag, a shortened URL, or any other type of linkagebetween digital resources. System 100 includes smart link generator 110for generating smart links and smart link redirector 120 for redirectingsmart links to the appropriate destination digital resources. It shouldbe appreciated that components of system 100 can be collocated ordistributed over a network of computing devices. It should beappreciated that smart link generator 110 and smart link redirector 120can be under the control of a single component of an enterprisecomputing environment (e.g., a virtualization infrastructure or computersystem 400) or can be distributed over multiple components (e.g., avirtualization infrastructure or a cloud-based infrastructure). In someembodiments, system 100 is comprised within or is an enterprise system.

Embodiments described herein provide access to a single digital resource(e.g., shortened URL or QR code) that can point to a variety of resourcetypes (e.g., email, another URL, phone number, contact card, meetinginvite, etc.) In some embodiments, multiple digital resources can beprovided for accessing multiple destinations resources. In someembodiments, each resource is captured as an entity that can be directedto multiple different resource type from a single or multiple smartlinks (e.g., QR Code or shortened URLs). For example, a single QR codepoint to an email address, phone number, and contact card.

Conventional solutions allow for linking exactly one outward facingresource (e.g., a shortened URL) to exactly one destination resource.Other conventional solutions allow for linking multiple resources (e.g.,a QR code and shortened URL) to a single resource. Embodiments describedherein allows the linking of multiple outward facing resources, referredto herein as smart links, to multiple end resources.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example smart link generator110 for generating smart links, according to an embodiment. Smart linkgenerator 110 is configured to receive a plurality of destinationdigital resources 210 (e.g., an email address, a website, a phonenumber, etc.) and generate at least one smart link 220 based on the atleast one destination digital resource. In some embodiments, smart linkgenerator 110 is configured to generate a plurality of smart links,e.g., smart link 220 and smart link 230.

In some embodiments, smart link generator 110 is operable to configureaccess to destination digital resources 210 in response to aninteraction with smart link 220. In some embodiments, smart linkgenerator 110 configures configuration settings for controlling accessto destination digital resources 210 in response to an interaction withsmart link 220.

For example, destination digital resources 210 may include a firstdestination digital resource for a device executing Apple's iOSoperating system and a second destination digital resource for a deviceexecuting Google's Android operating system. Smart link generator 110generates a single smart link 220 that is associated with bothdestination digital resources 210. Smart link generator 110 generatesconfiguration settings such that in response to receiving an accessrequest associated with an interaction with smart link 220, theelectronic device interacting with smart link 220 is directed to theappropriate destination digital resources 210 (e.g., an iOS device isdirected to the iOS destination digital resource and an Android deviceis directed to the Android destination digital resource), where bothdestination digital resources are associated with smart link 220.

In some embodiments, multiple smart links (e.g., smart link 220 andsmart link 230) are generated in response to receiving destinationdigital resources 210. For example, a QR code that is linked todestination digital resources 210 and an NFC tag that is linked todestination digital resources 210 are both generated.

In one embodiment, the configuration settings provide access to onedestination digital resource of the plurality of destination digitalresources in response to an interaction with the at least one smartlink. In another embodiment, the configuration settings provide accessto the plurality of destination digital resources in response to aninteraction with the at least one smart link.

Embodiments described herein provide a system that allows thecombination of conditions (redirection based on given criteria) andrestrictions (the blocking of incoming requests based on givencriteria). In some embodiments, the configuration settings provideaccess to at least one destination digital resource of the plurality ofdestination digital resources in response to an interaction with the atleast one smart link and based on a time of day of the interaction. Insome embodiments, the configuration settings provide access to at leastone destination digital resource of the plurality of destination digitalresources in response to an interaction with the at least one smart linkand based on information about a device interacting with the at leastone smart link. In some embodiments, the configuration settings provideaccess to at least one destination digital resource of the plurality ofdestination digital resources in response to an interaction with the atleast one smart link and based on a location of the interaction.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example smart link redirector120 for redirecting smart links to the appropriate destination digitalresources, according to an embodiment. Smart link redirector 120 isconfigured to receive a smart link access 310 and to redirect the devicefrom which the smart link access 310 was received to the appropriatedigital resource 320 and/or digital resource 330. It should beappreciated that smart link access 310 is dependent on the resource typeof smart link access 310. For example, smart link access 310 can be anelectronic device interacting with a QR code, an NFC tag, or a shortenedURL.

Smart link redirector 120 is also configured to received configurationsettings 340 for controlling how smart link redirector 120 redirects asmart link access 310, collects smart link metrics 350, or configuresother aspects of smart link redirector 120.

Smart links are easy ways for people to share and access digitalresources. Embodiments described herein provides for the generation andusage of smart links that have dynamic properties without changing thesmart links themselves. For instance, embodiments described hereinprovide for decoupling the physical resource and information by mappingdigital resources to physical resources. Embodiments described hereinprovide for the generating and usage of smart links that can be linkedto multiple destination digital resources.

For example, the smart links described herein are dynamically updatable,access limits to the destination digital resource can be set, and userscan be dynamically redirected to appropriate or predetermineddestination digital resources. For example, a single smart link foraccessing a smartphone app can direct users having an Apple iPhone tothe Apple app store for downloading the iOS-compatible version of theapp and can direct users having an Android phone to the Google app storefor downloading the Android-compatible version of the app.

In one embodiment, system 100 is configured to generate two smart linksfor the one or more destination digital resources. For example, smartlink generator 110 generates a shortened URL and a QR code for thelinked digital resource(s). For instance, the longer a source URL, themore complex the QR code can get, resulting in a QR code that is lesstolerant to scanning at a distance, physical damage, speed of scan, etc.In some embodiments, the URL is first shortened to a shortened URL, andthen the shortened URL is encoded into a QR code, making it easier toscan.

In some embodiments, smart link generator 110 is configured to generatethe shortened URL and the QR code at the same time or in the sametransaction/operation.

In some embodiments, system 100 is operable to dynamically change thedestination digital resource of a smart link without changing the smartlink itself. For example, configuration settings 340 may be receivedthat change a destination digital resource (e.g., updating a destinationweb address) without changing the smart link itself.

In some embodiments, scan (e.g., access) limits may be placed on a smartlink. For example, a smart link may have a limited number of times itcan be accessed.

In some embodiments, a smart link may have an associated access code(e.g., PIN), requiring a user to enter the access code to access thedestination digital resource.

In some embodiments, a smart link may have associated time/dateconditions. Embodiments herein allow for one or more conditions foraccessing destination digital resources that control redirection ofbased on a date and/or time of the access. For example, the request canbe routed to a different digital resource based on the date and or timeof the access attempt.

In some embodiments, a smart link may have associated time/daterestrictions. Embodiments described herein also allow for restrictionson accessing destination digital resources by blocking incoming requestbased on a date and/or time of the access attempt. For example, therequest can be blocked based on the date and or time of the accessattempt.

In some embodiments, a smart link may have associated locationconditions. Embodiments herein allow for one or more conditions foraccessing destination digital resources that control redirection ofbased on a location of the access. For example, the location of theaccess attempt can be determined from information within a header (e.g.,an http header) of the access attempt. For example, the access requestcan be routed based on location such that a user in the U.S. can berouted to a U.S. version of a website while a user in Canada can berouted to a Canadian version of the website.

In some embodiments, a smart link may have associated locationrestrictions. Embodiments described herein also allow for restrictionson accessing destination digital resources by blocking incoming requestbased on a location of the access attempt. For example, the request canbe blocked based on the location of the access attempt.

In some embodiments, a smart link may have associated device conditions.Embodiments herein allow for one or more conditions for accessingdestination digital resources that control redirection of based on alocation of the access. For example, the location of the access attemptcan be determined from information within a header (e.g., an httpheader) of the access attempt. For example, a single smart link foraccessing a smartphone app can direct users having an Apple iPhone tothe Apple app store for downloading the iOS-compatible version of theapp and can direct users having an Android phone to the Google app storefor downloading the Android-compatible version of the app.

In some embodiments, a smart link may have associated devicerestrictions. Embodiments described herein also allow for restrictionson accessing destination digital resources by blocking incoming requestbased on a device of the access attempt. For example, the request can beblocked based on the device of the access attempt.

In some embodiments, a scan of a smart link for an emergency telephonenumber can automatically redirect the smart link access to an emergencynumber for the location of the request. For example, different countriesor regions may have different emergency telephone numbers. Moreover,these emergency numbers may have device restrictions (e.g., notavailable on mobile phones). The described embodiment automaticallyroutes a smart link access to the local emergency call center. In someembodiments, the smart link may be a QR code printed on a keychain or akeychain including an NFC tag for emergency services.

In some embodiments, where the smart link is a QR code, the color of theQR code (one or both of the QR code foreground and background) can bechanged or customized.

In some embodiments, the described system provides for applicationdeep-linking. Some applications (e.g., mobile applications) areautomatically launchable and at least one field is prepopulated,according to the functionality of the application itself, by accessing asmart link. In such embodiments, the deep-linking itself is notcontrolled, but rather the smart link abstracts this functionality byassociating it with the smart link.

In some embodiments, the described system allows for the disabling of asmart link (e.g., similar to a global restriction). In some embodiments,disabling a smart link can automatically redirect the smart link to aparticular digital resource.

In some embodiments, the described system provides enhanced security byobscuring what might otherwise be private information. For example, someURLs can include secret or proprietary information. By encoding the URLinto a shortened URL (e.g., prior to also encoding in to a OR code orNFC tag), the privacy of such date can be maintained.

In some embodiments, the smart link can be redirected to a phone numberor email address without encoding the phone number or email address intothe smart link. For example, the phone number or email address can beincluded in configuration settings maintained in system 100, and a smartlink access can be redirected to the phone number or email address inresponse to an access of the smart link.

In some embodiments, a smart link is automatically generated in responseto uploading of a file. For example, if a user wants to share a document(e.g., an audio file, a video file, a .pdf file, etc.), the document isuploaded and a smart link (e.g., a OR code) is automatically generated,wherein an access of the smart link results in an automatic retrieval ofthe uploaded document.

In some embodiments, system 100 is configured to collect and providesmart link metrics 350 for cross-medium information resources related tousage and access of a deployed outward facing resource (e.g., a smartlink). These embodiments allow for the presentation and viewing of theoverall usage of a deployed outward facing resource using detailedmetrics that show, e.g., the usage of each resource, each medium, aswell as additional condition-based criteria. The described embodimentsprovide a way to view data based on, not only how each resourceperformed (clicks, scans, etc.) but also gives a breakdown of the mediumit was interacted with. In addition to that it can account for differentuser defined conditions (such as location, platform, etc.) The metricsare multi-dimensional, in that they can provide information based ondevice type (e.g., Android, iOS), smart link type (e.g., QR code, NFCtag, shortened URL), time, date, location, etc.

In some embodiments, the described system allows for multiple smartlinks for a single resource. For example, it is possible to trackengagement of resource based on physical location of the smart link. Inan example use case, multiple posters advertising a conference can beplace around a campus, where each poster includes a unique QR code thatdirects to the same website. The content is the same, but the locationof access is different and can be tracked as a metric.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example computer system 400 upon whichembodiments of the present invention can be implemented. FIG. 4illustrates one example of a type of computer system 400 (e.g., acomputer system) that can be used in accordance with or to implementvarious embodiments which are discussed herein.

It is appreciated that computer system 400 of FIG. 4 is only an exampleand that embodiments as described herein can operate on or within anumber of different computer systems including, but not limited to,general purpose networked computer systems, embedded computer systems,mobile electronic devices, smart phones, server devices, client devices,various intermediate devices/nodes, standalone computer systems, mediacenters, handheld computer systems, multi-media devices, and the like.In some embodiments, computer system 400 of FIG. 4 is well adapted tohaving peripheral tangible computer-readable storage media 402 such as,for example, an electronic flash memory data storage device, a floppydisc, a compact disc, digital versatile disc, other disc based storage,universal serial bus “thumb” drive, removable memory card, and the likecoupled thereto. The tangible computer-readable storage media isnon-transitory in nature.

Computer system 400 of FIG. 4 includes an address/data bus 404 forcommunicating information, and a processor 406A coupled with bus 404 forprocessing information and instructions. As depicted in FIG. 4 ,computer system 400 is also well suited to a multi-processor environmentin which a plurality of processors 406A, 406B, and 406C are present.Conversely, computer system 400 is also well suited to having a singleprocessor such as, for example, processor 406A. Processors 406A, 406B,and 406C may be any of various types of microprocessors. Computer system400 also includes data storage features such as a computer usablevolatile memory 408, e.g., random access memory (RAM), coupled with bus404 for storing information and instructions for processors 406A, 406B,and 406C. Computer system 400 also includes computer usable non-volatilememory 410, e.g., read only memory (ROM), coupled with bus 404 forstoring static information and instructions for processors 406A, 406B,and 406C. Also present in computer system 400 is a data storage unit 412(e.g., a magnetic or optical disc and disc drive) coupled with bus 404for storing information and instructions. Computer system 400 alsoincludes an alphanumeric input device 414 including alphanumeric andfunction keys coupled with bus 404 for communicating information andcommand selections to processor 406A or processors 406A, 406B, and 406C.Computer system 400 also includes an cursor control device 416 coupledwith bus 404 for communicating user input information and commandselections to processor 406A or processors 406A, 406B, and 406C. In oneembodiment, computer system 400 also includes a display device 418coupled with bus 404 for displaying information.

Referring still to FIG. 4 , display device 418 of FIG. 4 may be a liquidcrystal device (LCD), light emitting diode display (LED) device, cathoderay tube (CRT), plasma display device, a touch screen device, or otherdisplay device suitable for creating graphic images and alphanumericcharacters recognizable to a user. Cursor control device 416 allows thecomputer user to dynamically signal the movement of a visible symbol(cursor) on a display screen of display device 418 and indicate userselections of selectable items displayed on display device 418. Manyimplementations of cursor control device 416 are known in the artincluding a trackball, mouse, touch pad, touch screen, joystick orspecial keys on alphanumeric input device 414 capable of signalingmovement of a given direction or manner of displacement. Alternatively,it will be appreciated that a cursor can be directed and/or activatedvia input from alphanumeric input device 414 using special keys and keysequence commands. Computer system 400 is also well suited to having acursor directed by other means such as, for example, voice commands. Invarious embodiments, alphanumeric input device 414, cursor controldevice 416, and display device 418, or any combination thereof (e.g.,user interface selection devices), may collectively operate to provide agraphical user interface (GUI) 430 under the direction of a processor(e.g., processor 406A or processors 406A, 406B, and 406C). GUI 430allows user to interact with computer system 400 through graphicalrepresentations presented on display device 418 by interacting withalphanumeric input device 414 and/or cursor control device 416.

Computer system 400 also includes an I/O device 420 for couplingcomputer system 400 with external entities. For example, in oneembodiment, I/O device 420 is a modem for enabling wired or wirelesscommunications between computer system 400 and an external network suchas, but not limited to, the Internet. In one embodiment, I/O device 420includes a transmitter. Computer system 400 may communicate with anetwork by transmitting data via I/O device 420.

Referring still to FIG. 4 , various other components are depicted forcomputer system 400. Specifically, when present, an operating system422, applications 424, modules 426, and data 428 are shown as typicallyresiding in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory408 (e.g., RAM), computer usable non-volatile memory 410 (e.g., ROM),and data storage unit 412. In some embodiments, all or portions ofvarious embodiments described herein are stored, for example, as anapplication 424 and/or module 426 in memory locations within RAM 408,computer-readable storage media within data storage unit 412, peripheralcomputer-readable storage media 402, and/or other tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Example Methods of Operation

The following discussion sets forth in detail the operation of someexample methods of operation of embodiments. With reference to FIGS. 5and 6 , flow diagrams 500 and 600 illustrate example procedures used byvarious embodiments. The flow diagrams include some procedures that, invarious embodiments, are carried out by a processor under the control ofcomputer-readable and computer-executable instructions. In this fashion,procedures described herein and in conjunction with the flow diagramsare, or may be, implemented using a computer, in various embodiments.The computer-readable and computer-executable instructions can reside inany tangible computer readable storage media. Some non-limiting examplesof tangible computer readable storage media include random accessmemory, read only memory, magnetic disks, solid state drives/“disks,”and optical disks, any or all of which may be employed with computerenvironments (e.g., computer system 400). The computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions, which reside on tangible computerreadable storage media, are used to control or operate in conjunctionwith, for example, one or some combination of processors of the computerenvironments and/or virtualized environment. It is appreciated that theprocessor(s) may be physical or virtual or some combination (it shouldalso be appreciated that a virtual processor is implemented on physicalhardware). Although specific procedures are disclosed in the flowdiagram, such procedures are examples. That is, embodiments are wellsuited to performing various other procedures or variations of theprocedures recited in the flow diagram. Likewise, in some embodiments,the procedures in the flow diagrams may be performed in an orderdifferent than presented and/or not all of the procedures described inthe flow diagrams may be performed. It is further appreciated thatprocedures described in the flow diagrams may be implemented inhardware, or a combination of hardware with firmware and/or softwareprovided by computer system 400.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 500 illustrating an example method forgenerating at least one smart link, in accordance with embodiments. Atprocedure 510 of flow diagram 500, a plurality of destination digitalresources is received. At procedure 520, at least one smart link isgenerated based on the plurality of destination digital resources,wherein the at least one smart link provides configurable access to theplurality of destination digital resources in response to an interactionwith the at least one smart link. In accordance with variousembodiments, the at least one smart link includes at least one of aQuick Response (QR) code, a Near-Field-Communication (NFC) tag, and ashortened uniform resource locator (URL). In one embodiment, as shown atprocedure 522, a plurality of smart links is generated based on theplurality of destination digital resources, wherein the plurality ofsmart links comprises smart links of at least two different types.

In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 524, access to the plurality ofdestination digital resources in response to an interaction with the atleast one smart link is configured. In one embodiment, as shown atprocedure 526, configuration settings for controlling access to theplurality of destination digital resources in response to an interactionwith the at least one smart link are configured.

In one embodiment, the configuration settings provide access to onedestination digital resource of the plurality of destination digitalresources in response to an interaction with the at least one smartlink. In another embodiment, the configuration settings provide accessto the plurality of destination digital resources in response to aninteraction with the at least one smart link.

In some embodiments, the configuration settings provide access to atleast one destination digital resource of the plurality of destinationdigital resources in response to an interaction with the at least onesmart link and based on a time of day of the interaction. In someembodiments, the configuration settings provide access to at least onedestination digital resource of the plurality of destination digitalresources in response to an interaction with the at least one smart linkand based on information about a device interacting with the at leastone smart link. In some embodiments, the configuration settings provideaccess to at least one destination digital resource of the plurality ofdestination digital resources in response to an interaction with the atleast one smart link and based on a location of the interaction.

In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 530, an update to the pluralityof destination digital resources associated with the at least one smartlink is received. At procedure 540, the at least one smart link isupdated to direct an interaction with the at least one smart linkaccording to the update.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 600 illustrating an example method for using asmart link to access a digital resource, in accordance with embodiments.At procedure 610 of flow diagram 600, a smart link access request froman electronic device interacting with a smart link is received, whereina smart link provides access to at least one destination digitalresource of a plurality of destination digital resources associated withthe smart link. In some embodiments, the smart link includes at leastone of a Quick Response (QR) code, a Near-Field-Communication (NFC) tag,and a shortened uniform resource locator (URL). In some embodiments, thesmart link access request includes information related to the electronicdevice.

At procedure 620, the at least one destination digital resource toaccess based at least on the smart link access request is determined. Inone embodiment, as shown at procedure 622, the plurality of destinationdigital resources to access is determined based at least on the smartlink access request. In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 624,configuration settings for controlling access to the at least onedestination digital resource indicated by the smart link access requestare accessed.

In accordance with various embodiments, as shown at procedure 626, theinformation related to the electronic device is used to determine the atleast one destination digital resource. In one embodiment, where theinformation related to the device includes a type of the electronicdevice, the at least one destination digital resource to access isdetermined based at least on the smart link access request and the typeof the electronic device. In one embodiment, where the informationrelated to the device includes a location of the electronic device, theat least one destination digital resource to access is determined basedat least on the smart link access request and the location of theelectronic device. In one embodiment, where the information related tothe device includes a time, the at least one destination digitalresource to access is determined based at least on the smart link accessrequest and the time.

At procedure 630, the electronic device is directed to the determined atleast one destination digital resource. In one embodiment, as shown atprocedure 640, metrics associated with the smart link access request andthe determined at least one destination digital resource are collected.

CONCLUSION

The examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain,to describe particular applications, and to thereby enable those skilledin the art to make and use embodiments of the described examples.However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoingdescription and examples have been presented for the purposes ofillustration and example only. The description as set forth is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the preciseform disclosed. Rather, the specific features and acts described aboveare disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certainembodiments,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” or similar term means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of suchphrases in various places throughout this specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics of any embodimentmay be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other features,structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments withoutlimitation.

1. A computer-implemented method for generating at least one smart link,the method comprising: receiving a plurality of destination digitalresources for accessing multiple destinations resources; and generatingat least one smart link based on the plurality of destination digitalresources, wherein the at least one smart link provides configurableaccess to the plurality of destination digital resources in response toan interaction with the at least one smart link; wherein the generatingat least one smart link based on the plurality of destination digitalresources comprises: configuring access to the plurality of destinationdigital resources in response to an interaction with the at least onesmart link.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating at leastone smart link based on the plurality of destination digital resourcescomprises generating a plurality of smart links based on the pluralityof destination digital resources, wherein the plurality of smart linkscomprises smart links of at least two different types.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one smart link comprises at least one of aQuick Response (QR) code, a Near-Field-Communication (NFC) tag, and ashortened uniform resource locator (URL).
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the configuring access to the plurality of destination digitalresources in response to an interaction with the at least one smart linkcomprises: configuring configuration settings for controlling access tothe plurality of destination digital resources in response to aninteraction with the at least one smart link.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein the configuration settings provide access to one destinationdigital resource of the plurality of destination digital resources inresponse to an interaction with the at least one smart link.
 6. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the configuration settings provide access tothe plurality of destination digital resources in response to aninteraction with the at least one smart link.
 7. The method of claim 4,wherein the configuration settings provide access to at least onedestination digital resource of the plurality of destination digitalresources in response to an interaction with the at least one smart linkand based on a time of day of the interaction.
 8. The method of claim 4,wherein the configuration settings provide access to at least onedestination digital resource of the plurality of destination digitalresources in response to an interaction with the at least one smart linkand based on information about a device interacting with the at leastone smart link.
 9. The method of claim 4, wherein the configurationsettings provide access to at least one destination digital resource ofthe plurality of destination digital resources in response to aninteraction with the at least one smart link and based on a location ofthe interaction.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving an update to the plurality of destination digital resourcesassociated with the at least one smart link; and updating the at leastone smart link to direct an interaction with the at least one smart linkaccording to the update.
 11. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedium having computer readable program code stored thereon for causinga computer system to perform a method for generating a plurality ofsmart links, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of destinationdigital resources for accessing multiple destinations resources; andgenerating at least one smart link based on the plurality of destinationdigital resources, wherein the at least one smart link providesconfigurable access to the plurality of destination digital resources inresponse to an interaction with the at least one smart link; wherein thegenerating at least one smart link based on the plurality of destinationdigital resources comprises: configuring access to the plurality ofdestination digital resources in response to an interaction with the atleast one smart link.
 12. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 11, wherein the generating at least one smart link basedon the plurality of destination digital resources comprises generating aplurality of smart links based on the plurality of destination digitalresources, wherein the plurality of smart links comprises smart links ofat least two different types.
 13. The non-transitory computer readablestorage medium of claim 11, wherein the at least one smart linkcomprises at least one of a Quick Response (QR) code, aNear-Field-Communication (NFC) tag, and a shortened uniform resourcelocator (URL).
 14. The non-transitory computer readable storage mediumof claim 11, wherein the configuring access to the plurality ofdestination digital resources in response to an interaction with the atleast one smart link comprises: configuring configuration settings forcontrolling access to the plurality of destination digital resources inresponse to an interaction with the at least one smart link.
 15. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 14 wherein theconfiguration settings provide access to one destination digitalresource of the plurality of destination digital resources in responseto an interaction with the at least one smart link.
 16. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein theconfiguration settings provide access to at least one destinationdigital resource of the plurality of destination digital resources inresponse to an interaction with the at least one smart link and based ona time of day of the interaction.
 17. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium of claim 14, wherein the configuration settingsprovide access to at least one destination digital resource of theplurality of destination digital resources in response to an interactionwith the at least one smart link and based on information about a deviceinteracting with the at least one smart link.
 18. The non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein the configurationsettings provide access to at least one destination digital resource ofthe plurality of destination digital resources in response to aninteraction with the at least one smart link and based on a location ofthe interaction.
 19. A computer system comprising: a data storage unit;and a processor coupled with the data storage unit, the processorconfigured to: receive a plurality of destination digital resources foraccessing multiple destinations resources; generate at least one smartlink based on the plurality of destination digital resources, whereinthe at least one smart link provides configurable access to theplurality of destination digital resources in response to an interactionwith the at least one smart link; and configure access to the pluralityof destination digital resources in response to an interaction with theat least one smart link.
 20. The computer system of claim 19, whereinthe processor is further configured to: configure configuration settingsfor controlling access to the plurality of destination digital resourcesin response to an interaction with the at least one smart link.